Lifelong Ban Imposed on Gabonese Coach Acknowledged by Players Union as First Step in Curbing Abuse

The global players' union Fifpro has praised FIFA's decision to impose a lifetime ban on Patrick Assoumou Eyi, a former Gabonese youth coach convicted of sexual abuse, while insisting there's still a significant network of abusers that needs addressing.

FIFA's recent decision to impose a lifetime ban on Patrick Assoumou Eyi, a former youth coach for Gabon's national teams, is being heralded as a critical move towards safeguarding athletes, though officials from Fifpro, the global players’ union, have cautioned that further measures are needed to combat widespread sexual abuse within Gabonese football. Eyi, a dominant figure in Gabon's youth football for decades, was found guilty of sexually abusing multiple minors and described by some as holding a "god-like" status within the sport, enabling him to influence who would join the national teams.

This ruling follows allegations that emerged in a 2023 BBC Africa Eye investigation detailing a pervasive culture of abuse in Gabonese football. While acknowledging أن قرار الإيقاف هو خطوة أولية إيجابية, Fifpro’s legal advisor, Loic Alves, emphasized that the implications of this case unveil a broader problem and indicated that many others could be involved in similar misconduct.

Admitting to charges of grooming, raping, and exploiting young players, Eyi's actions span from 2006 to 2021, impacting at least four male victims. Now facing a fine of one million Swiss francs ($1.1 million) in addition to his ban, Eyi is currently imprisoned. A victim, wishing to remain anonymous, expressed hope for the future but remained frustrated with the systemic issues still unaddressed, stating, “It’s a whole network that needs dismantling.”

The BBC's investigation revealed testimonies from more than 30 witnesses, alluding to an entrenched culture of sexual abuse affecting various levels of football in Gabon over the past three decades. Victims recounted harrowing experiences spanning from teenage years to international representation. The ensuing scrutiny has also led to calls for accountability directed at FIFA and Gabon's national football governing body, Fegafoot, accused of failing to protect young athletes despite previous awareness of the abuses. Both organizations have denied these allegations and stress their commitment to safeguarding sports integrity.